News Summary
Blake Wheeler, the notable NHL forward, has officially announced his retirement after a remarkable 16-season career in professional hockey. Known for his impressive statistics, Wheeler leaves behind a legacy of 943 points and significant contributions to multiple teams, most notably the Winnipeg Jets. His career was marred by an injury in his final season with the New York Rangers, but he now looks forward to focusing on his family and personal pursuits as he enters this new chapter of life.
New York City – Blake Wheeler, a celebrated forward in the National Hockey League (NHL), has announced his retirement after 16 seasons in professional hockey. The 38-year-old former player officially confirmed his decision on Saturday, leaving behind a remarkable legacy with a career total of 943 points during his time on the ice.
Wheeler concluded his NHL career after playing his last season with the New York Rangers in the 2023-24 season. Throughout that season, he recorded 21 points, which included nine goals and 12 assists, over the span of 54 games. Unfortunately, his season was marred by a serious lower-body injury sustained on February 15, 2024, which resulted in torn ligaments on both sides of his ankle and a broken fibula. This injury forced him to miss the remainder of the regular season, limiting his playoff appearances to just one game against the Florida Panthers on May 28, 2024.
Wheeler’s NHL journey began when he was selected by the Phoenix Coyotes as the fifth overall pick in the 2004 NHL Draft. Over his career, he showed his prowess on the ice by playing a total of 1,172 regular-season games, wherein he scored 321 goals and made 622 assists, culminating in 943 career points. Additionally, he contributed significantly in playoff contests, recording 10 goals and 35 assists for a total of 45 points over 66 games.
Before joining the Rangers, Wheeler signed a one-year contract with the team on July 1, 2023, following his buyout from the Winnipeg Jets. His time with the Jets and Atlanta Thrashers spanned a remarkable 13 seasons, during which he served as captain from 2016 to 2022. He stands out in the franchise’s history, ranking first in games played (897), assists (550), and points (812), while also being fourth in goals scored (262).
Among American-born players in the NHL, Wheeler has left his mark, ranking 26th in games played, 25th in goals, 11th in assists, and 14th in total points. Notably, he excelled during back-to-back seasons in 2017-18 and 2018-19, each yielding 91 points, which earned him selections to the NHL All-Star Game on both occasions.
Following the 2023-24 season, as Wheeler prepared to close this chapter of his life, he acknowledged a feeling of peace with his retirement decision. He now plans to focus on his family and personal endeavors, entering this new phase of life with satisfaction. Throughout his illustrious NHL career, Wheeler not only achieved personal milestones but also became a cherished figure among teammates and fans alike.
As spectators and fellow players reflect on his contributions to the sport, Blake Wheeler’s legacy is expected to endure, with his remarkable statistics and leadership resonating in the world of hockey for years to come.
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- NHL: Blake Wheeler Retires
- Wikipedia: Blake Wheeler
- Forever Blueshirts: Wheeler Retires
- Google Search: Blake Wheeler Retirement
- The Hockey News: Wheeler Announces Retirement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Blake Wheeler
- MSN: Veteran NHLer Retires
- Google News: Blake Wheeler NHL Retirement
